BDL to produce Astra missiles

Finally, the Defense Research and Development Organization has signed an agreement with the state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the production of the Astra Mk I beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM). The ceremony was attended by Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The formal handing ceremony took place at the Def Expo 2018 exhibition in Chennai. It completed its development trials in September 2017.

In addition to that, the DRDO has transferred nearly seven other technologies to BDL.

Astra is an active radar homing beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). It has a maximum targeting range of 75 km. There are plans to develop a Mark-2 version with a maximum range of 150 km.